Energy: Issues and Trends

Long considered a geographical and cultural crossroads between West and East, Southeast Europe could play a pivotal role as energy issues gain a higher profile. While the EU seeks to diversify supply and Moscow to consolidate its influence, countries in the region savor the long-term benefits of energy projects while grappling with shortages and infrastructure challenges. What does the future hold? Our contributors take a close look at existing issues and emerging trends.

Albania made a handsome profit in the first quarter of the year from energy exports. Also in business news: More than 9% of Serbia's population lives below the poverty level, and the amount of money expatriates are sending home to Kosovo declines.

While oil and electricity remain the mainstays of Macedonia's energy supply, natural gas is seen as the resource of the future. Proponents have been lobbying for the clean alternative to oil for more than 20 years.

Bulgaria's dilemma is to forget the 1 billion euros it has invested in building the Belene nuclear plant and scrap the project, or find a way to make it work with Russia's help. Energy Minister Traycho Traykov and the nation weigh the options.

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